Pakistan Announces Test Squad for Australia Tour 2023-24; Shan Masood Named New Test Captain

Pakistan has revealed an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, set to commence on December 14, 2023. Shan Masood has been appointed as the new Test captain of the national cricket team and will lead the side for the first time. The squad features the inclusion of stylish batter Saim Ayub and fast bowlers Khurram Shahzad and Aamir Jamal, all of whom receive their maiden Test call-up. The announcement was made by Pakistan Cricket's new chief selector and former pacer Wahab Riaz.

Following fast bowler Naseem Shah's unavailability due to a shoulder injury, left-arm pacer Mir Hamza has been called up to the test team. Additionally, nine players from the World Cup squad have been retained as Pakistan continues their tour Down Under with a stop in New Zealand to play five T20 internationals. It's worth noting that Wahab Riaz only announced the squad for the three test matches in Australia.

The selectors have been impressed by the performance of the flamboyant and daring opener Saim Ayub in domestic cricket, leading to his debut in T20Is where he has already played 8 international matches. Meanwhile, left-arm fast bowler Aamir Jamal brings experience from 4 T20Is, and right-arm medium pacer Khurram Shahzad stands to make his international debut if selected for the playing XI.

Wahab explained that Naseem, who sustained an injury during the Asia Cup and subsequently underwent shoulder surgery in the UK, would only be able to bowl at 50-60 percent of his capability in three weeks. This was the reason why his inclusion was not taken into consideration. Regarding the unavailability of pacer Haris Rauf, Wahab mentioned that Rauf has expressed concerns about his workload and fitness, and as a result, he has made himself unavailable for the upcoming tour.

Mir Hamza's most recent Test appearance took place against New Zealand in Karachi in January of this year; however, he was subsequently left out of the squad for the Sri Lankan tour. Meanwhile, Former captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Imam ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Wasim Junior have all been named in the World Cup team and have also been chosen for the upcoming test series in Australia.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, the ex-skipper and wicketkeeper, spinners Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali, and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf have all been included in the squad. The selectors have opted not to include opener Fakhar Zaman, leg spinner Usama Mir, and all-rounders Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed for the test tour.

Wahab indicated that the squad was selected with the challenging Australian conditions in consideration. "We have taken into account the nature of the pitches and bolstered our pace bowling resources to provide the management with flexibility in team combinations across all three Test matches," he explained. The team will undergo a training camp in Rawalpindi from November 23 to 28 prior to departing from Lahore on November 30.

Revised Test Match Schedule

• 1st Test: Perth, 14-18 December 2023

• 2nd Test: Melbourne, 26-30 December 2023

• 3rd Test: Sydney, 3-7 January 2024

Pakistan Test Squad for Australia Series:

• Shan Masood (captain)

• Aamir Jamal

• Abdullah Shafique

• Abrar Ahmed

• Babar Azam

• Faheem Ashraf

• Hasan Ali

• Imam-ul-Haq

• Khurram Shahzad

• Mir Hamza

• Mohammad Rizwan (wk)

• Mohammad Wasim Junior

• Noman Ali

• Saim Ayub

• Salman Ali Agha

• Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk)

• Saud Shakeel

• Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has expressed his readiness to participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has expressed his readiness to participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He emphasized his physical preparedness and stated that he is keen to contribute to Pakistan's success in the tournament. The experienced cricketer remains available for selection and is eager to represent his country in the upcoming event.

Shoaib Malik, aged 41, is presently representing Sialkot Region in the National T20 Cup. He has achieved a notable score of 65 runs in three matches, with an average of 32.50 and an impressive strike-rate of 127.45.

Given Pakistan's recent struggles with their middle order in T20Is, several former cricketers have expressed the need for Malik to be included in the national team. They believe his presence will bring much-needed stability and experience to the batting line-up.

"I aspire to win the T20 World Cup for Pakistan in 2024. My physical fitness is not a concern; I am as fit as I was in my youth. I stand ready to represent Pakistan whenever the PCB contacts me," he stated, as reported by Cricket Pakistan.

What is your investment strategy on the stock market?

Diversification is a fundamental principle of a solid investment strategy. Spreading your investments across different sectors and asset classes helps mitigate risk. Consider a mix of stocks, bonds, and possibly other assets to create a well-balanced portfolio. Diversification can protect against the poor performance of a single investment dragging down the entire portfolio.

Staying informed is crucial in the dynamic world of the stock market. Regularly research and keep up with market trends, economic indicators, and news that may impact your investments. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and adapt your strategy based on changing market conditions.

Long-term thinking is often a key element of successful investing. While short-term trading can be tempting, a focus on the long-term potential of your investments can lead to more stable and reliable returns. This approach also allows you to ride out the inevitable market fluctuations without making impulsive decisions.

Risk management is integral to any investment strategy. Understand your risk tolerance and invest accordingly. High-return investments often come with higher risks, so it's essential to strike a balance that aligns with your financial goals and comfort level. Regularly reassess and adjust your strategy as your financial situation and market conditions evolve.

Which app I can earn money by solving questions?

 

Several apps provide opportunities to earn money by solving questions. One popular option is "Mturk" (Amazon Mechanical Turk), where you can complete various tasks, including answering questions or surveys for compensation. Keep in mind that the pay may vary, and tasks range in complexity.

Another platform is "Swagbucks," which offers paid surveys and other tasks. Users can accumulate points (Swagbucks) by answering questions or participating in different activities, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash through PayPal.

For those interested in academic-related questions, "Studypool" allows you to earn money by helping students with their homework or answering their academic queries. Users post questions, and you can bid to provide solutions. Payments are made based on the quality and completeness of your responses.

Lastly, consider "Qmee," a platform that rewards users for participating in surveys and answering questions. It integrates with popular search engines, and you can earn cash rewards for sharing your opinions and insights.

Before using any app, ensure you understand the payment structure, user reviews, and the legitimacy of the platform. Be cautious of scams and prioritize platforms with a transparent payment system and positive user feedback.

What is the best way to invest money when you don't have a lot?

 When faced with limited funds for investing, it's crucial to adopt a strategic approach. Firstly, focus on financial education to make informed decisions. Consider reading books, attending workshops, or leveraging online resources to enhance your understanding of investment basics.

Secondly, explore low-cost investment options such as index funds or ETFs. These funds allow you to invest in a diverse portfolio without requiring a large initial sum. Diversification helps mitigate risks associated with individual stocks and can be particularly beneficial for those with limited capital.

Thirdly, prioritize consistency over large contributions. Even if you can only invest a small amount regularly, the power of compounding can work in your favor over time. Set up automatic transfers to ensure a disciplined approach, regardless of the amount.

Lastly, establish an emergency fund before venturing into investments. This ensures you have a financial safety net for unexpected expenses, preventing the need to liquidate investments prematurely. Building a solid foundation with education, low-cost options, consistent contributions, and an emergency fund can pave the way for sustainable and responsible investing with limited resources.